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Tongkrajang N, Kobpornchai P, Dubey P, Chaisri U, Kulkeaw K. Modelling amoebic brain infection caused by Balamuthia mandrillaris using a human cerebral organoid. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012274. [PMID: 38900784 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The lack of disease models adequately resembling human tissue has hindered our understanding of amoebic brain infection. Three-dimensional structured organoids provide a microenvironment similar to human tissue. This study demonstrates the use of cerebral organoids to model a rare brain infection caused by the highly lethal amoeba Balamuthia mandrillaris. Cerebral organoids were generated from human pluripotent stem cells and infected with clinically isolated B. mandrillaris trophozoites. Histological examination showed amoebic invasion and neuron damage following coculture with the trophozoites. The transcript profile suggested an alteration in neuron growth and a proinflammatory response. The release of intracellular proteins specific to neuronal bodies and astrocytes was detected at higher levels postinfection. The amoebicidal effect of the repurposed drug nitroxoline was examined using the human cerebral organoids. Overall, the use of human cerebral organoids was important for understanding the mechanism of amoeba pathogenicity, identify biomarkers for brain injury, and in the testing of a potential amoebicidal drug in a context similar to the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nongnat Tongkrajang
- Siriraj Integrative Center for Neglected Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Porntida Kobpornchai
- Siriraj Integrative Center for Neglected Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Siriraj-Long Read Lab, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pratima Dubey
- Siriraj Integrative Center for Neglected Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Urai Chaisri
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kasem Kulkeaw
- Siriraj Integrative Center for Neglected Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Siriraj-Long Read Lab, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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da Silva TCB, Chaúque BJM, Benitez GB, Rott MB. Global prevalence of potentially pathogenic free-living amoebae in sewage and sewage-related environments-systematic review with meta-analysis. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:148. [PMID: 38433138 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08164-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) include amphizoic microorganisms important in public health, widely isolated from air, water, and soil. However, its occurrence in sewage-related environments still needs to be systematically documented. This study summarizes the occurrence of FLA in sewage-related environments through a systematic review with meta-analysis. A total of 1983 scientific article were retrieved from different databases, of which 35 were selected and analyzed using a random effects forest plot model with a 95% confidence interval (IC). The pooled overall prevalence of FLA in sewage across 12 countries was 68.96% (95% IC = 58.5-79.42). Subgroup analysis indicates high prevalence in all environments analyzed, including sewage water from the sewage treatment plant (81.19%), treated sewage water (75.57%), sewage-contaminated water (67.70%), sediment contaminated by sewage (48.91%), and sewage water (47.84%). Prevalence values of Acanthamoeba spp., Hartmanella/Vermamoeba spp., and Naegleria spp. are 47.48%, 28.24%, and 16.69%, respectively. Analyzing the species level, the distribution is as follows: Acanthamoeba palestinensis (88%), A. castellanii (23.74%), A. astronyxis (19.18%), A. polyphaga (13.59%), A. culbertsoni (12.5%), A. stevensoni (8.33%), A. tubiashi (4.35%) and A. hatchetti (1.1%), Naegleria fowleri (28.4%), N. gruberi (25%), N. clarki (8.33%), N. australiensis (4.89%) and N. italica (4.29%), Hartmannella/Vermamoeba exundans (40%) and H.V. vermiform (32.61%). Overall, our findings indicate a high risk associated with sewage-related environments, as the prevalence of FLA, including pathogenic strains, is high, even in treated sewage water. The findings of this study may be valuable both for risk remediation actions against amoebic infections and for future research endeavors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaisla Cristiane Borella da Silva
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil
| | - Beni Jequicene Mussengue Chaúque
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Biological Sciences: Pharmacology and Therapeutics, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil
- Center of Studies in Science and Technology (NECET), Biology Course, Universidade Rovuma, Niassa Branch, Lichinga, Mozambique
| | - Guilherme Brittes Benitez
- Industrial and Systems Engineering Graduate Program, Polytechnic School, Pontifical Catholic University of Parana (PUCPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Marilise Brittes Rott
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil.
- Laboratory 520, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Department of Parasitology, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos Street, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, N 2600, Brazil.
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Andalib S, Mohammad Rahimi H, Niyyati M, Shalileh F, Nemati S, Rouhani S, Zali MR, Mirjalali H, Karanis P. Free-living amoebae in an oil refinery wastewater treatment facility. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 839:156301. [PMID: 35636544 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Free Living Amoebae (FLA) are ubiquitous microorganisms reported from harsh environmental conditions. Oil refinery facilities consume vast volumes of water during their processes, generating a large amount of wastewater. The present study aimed to evaluate the wastewater treatment process in an oil refinery wastewater treatment facility (ORWWTF) for the presence of FLA. Water samples were collected from an oil refinery wastewater (ORWW) for nine months. After recording physical-chemical features, samples were cultivated onto non-nutrient agar (NNA). The discriminative fragments of the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene were amplified and sequenced to characterize the isolated FLA. Phylogenetic tree, and network analysis were employed to evaluate genetic relationships. The thermo- and osmotolerant tests were performed on the isolated FLA. Twenty-five (32.9%) samples were positive for FLA cultivation. Acanthamoeba spp., Vahlkampfiids, and Vermamoeba spp. were detected, of which Acanthamoeba species were predominant. There was no statistical correlation between pH, NH3, PO4, H2S, and TDS with the presence of FLA. A statistical correlation between the presence of FLA and the type of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) was significant (P-value = 0.011). All Acanthamoeba spp. isolates belonged to the genotypes T4 (17/21; 80.95%) and T11 (4/21; 19.05%). Vahlkampfiids were Naegleria spp., (7/10; 70%), Tetramitus aberdonicus (1/10; 10%), Learamoeba spp., (1/10; 10%), and Vahlkampfia spp., (1/10; 10%). All three Vermamoeba spp. were V. vermiformis. The ORWW contains toxic materials, and a few microorganisms can stay active in these environments. This is the first study which isolates FLA from such super harsh conditions. For the first time, T. aberdonicus, and Learamoeba spp., were isolated from oily wastewater. Our findings signify the concern due to the distribution of potentially pathogenic FLA to downstream lands via treated wastewater that may be released after treatment processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeid Andalib
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hanieh Mohammad Rahimi
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Niyyati
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Farzaneh Shalileh
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Nemati
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soheila Rouhani
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirjalali
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Nicosia University Medical School, Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, Nicosia 2408, Cyprus
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Moreno-Mesonero L, Amorós I, Moreno Y, Alonso JL. Simultaneous detection of less frequent waterborne parasitic protozoa in reused wastewater using amplicon sequencing and qPCR techniques. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 314:115029. [PMID: 35430514 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Waterborne parasitic protozoa (WPP) infections have a worldwide distribution and are a source for epidemic and endemic human diseases. Although a variety of protozoa are commonly detected in wastewater and cited as causative agents of outbreaks, effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) used for irrigation can contain other pathogenic protozoa that are not currently being controlled. The lack of control on a routine basis using rapid and sensitive methods to detect these parasites in water may keep them under-recognized. This study focused on using molecular tools, 18 S rRNA amplicon-based sequencing and qPCR, to characterize WPP distribution in wastewater samples from urban WWTPs used for irrigation. A total of eight wastewater samples (from secondary and tertiary disinfection treatment effluents) were collected. Potentially pathogenic protozoa identified by 18 S rRNA sequencing and/or qPCR in the analyzed samples included Acanthamoeba spp., Blastocystis sp., Entamoeba coli, Entamoeba dispar, Entamoeba hartmanni, Giardia intestinalis assemblage A and Toxoplasma gondii Positive results by qPCR were in non-quantifiable levels. Blastocystis sp. was the most represented protozoa among the sequences retrieved from the amplicon sequencing. Blastocystis ST1 and ST2 were the most abundant subtypes among the obtained OTUs. Moreover, Blastocystis sp. ST3, ST4, ST6 and ST8 were also detected, although in lower abundances. Results of this study showed that WWTP effluents used for irrigation can provide a source of WPP.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Moreno-Mesonero
- Research Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera S/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain.
| | - I Amorós
- Research Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera S/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Y Moreno
- Research Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera S/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain.
| | - J L Alonso
- Research Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera S/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain.
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5
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Nageeb MM, Eldeek HEM, Attia RAH, Sakla AA, Alkhalil SS, Farrag HMM. Isolation and morphological and molecular characterization of waterborne free-living amoebae: Evidence of potentially pathogenic Acanthamoeba and Vahlkampfiidae in Assiut, Upper Egypt. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267591. [PMID: 35802617 PMCID: PMC9269480 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) are gaining attention due to the increasing number of related grave central nervous system (CNS) and sight-threatening eye infections and their role as Trojan horses for many bacteria and viruses. This study was conducted in Assiut City, Egypt to detect the presence of FLA in different water sources using morphological and molecular approaches and determine their potential pathogenicity. A total of 188 water samples (100 tap, 80 tank, and 8 swimming pool samples) were collected, cultivated on non-nutrient agar seeded with Escherichia coli, and inspected for FLA. Thermo- and osmo-tolerance assays were performed to determine their pathogenicity. Polymerase chain reaction and sequence analysis were performed to confirm the identification and analyze the genotype. Overall, 52 samples (27.7%) were positive for FLA. Of these, 20.7% were identified as Acanthamoeba, 1.6% as Vahlkampfiidae, and 5.3% as mixed Acanthamoeba and Vahlkampfiidae. Seven species of Acanthamoeba were recognized, of which A. triangularis, A. polyphaga, A. lenticulata, and A. culbertsoni are thermo- and osmo-tolerant, and A. astronyxis, A. comandoni, and A. echinulata are non-thermo- and non-osmo-tolerant. The phylogeny analysis revealed T4 and T7 genotypes. Among Vahlkampfiids, 61.5% were identified as thermo- and osmo-tolerant Vahlkampfia, and 30.8% were identified as non-pathogenic Naegleria. One isolate (7.7%) was identified as potentially pathogenic Allovahlkampfia, as confirmed by sequencing. This is the first report documenting the occurrence and phylogeny of waterborne FLA (Acanthamoeba/Vahlkampfiidae) in Assiut, Egypt. The presence of potentially pathogenic FLA highlights the possible health hazards and the need for preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina M. Nageeb
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Hanan E. M. Eldeek
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Rasha A. H. Attia
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Atef A. Sakla
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Samia S. Alkhalil
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haiam Mohamed Mahmoud Farrag
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia
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Sarink MJ, van der Meijs NL, Denzer K, Koenderman L, Tielens AGM, van Hellemond JJ. Three encephalitis-causing amoebae and their distinct interactions with the host. Trends Parasitol 2021; 38:230-245. [PMID: 34758928 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Naegleria fowleri, Balamuthia mandrillaris, and Acanthamoeba spp. can cause devastating brain infections in humans which almost always result in death. The symptoms of the three infections overlap, but brain inflammation and the course of the disease differ, depending on the amoeba that is responsible. Understanding the differences between these amoebae can result in the development of strategies to prevent and treat these infections. Recently, numerous scientific advancements have been made in the understanding of pathogenicity mechanisms in general, and the basic biology, epidemiology, and the human immune response towards these amoebae in particular. In this review, we combine this knowledge and aim to identify which factors can explain the differences between the lethal brain infections caused by N. fowleri, B. mandrillaris, and Acanthamoeba spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maarten J Sarink
- Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nadia L van der Meijs
- Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kristin Denzer
- Center for Translational Immunology (CTI), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Leo Koenderman
- Center for Translational Immunology (CTI), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Aloysius G M Tielens
- Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap J van Hellemond
- Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Efficient nested-PCR-based method development for detection and genotype identification of Acanthamoeba from a small volume of aquatic environmental sample. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21740. [PMID: 34741041 PMCID: PMC8571327 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00968-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba spp. are opportunistic human pathogens that cause granulomatous amoebic encephalitis and keratitis, and their accurate detection and enumeration in environmental samples is a challenge. In addition, information regarding the genotyping of Acanthamoeba spp. using various PCR methods is equally critical. Therefore, considering the diverse niches of habitats, it is necessary to develop an even more efficient genotyping method for Acanthamoeba spp. detection. This study improved the sensitivity of detection to avoid underestimation of Acanthamoeba spp. occurrence in aquatic environmental samples, and to accurately define the pathogenic risk by developing an efficient PCR method. In this study, a new nested genotyping method was established and compared with various PCR-based methods using in silico, lab, and empirical tests. The in silico test showed that many PCR-based methods could not successfully align specific genotypes of Acanthamoeba, except for the newly designed nested PCR and real-time PCR method. Furthermore, 52 water samples from rivers, reservoirs, and a river basin in Taiwan were analysed by six different PCR methods and compared for genotyping and detection efficiency of Acanthamoeba. The newly developed nested-PCR-based method of genotyping was found to be significantly sensitive as it could effectively detect the occurrence of Acanthamoeba spp., which was underestimated by the JDP-PCR method. Additionally, the present results are consistent with previous studies indicating that the high prevalence of Acanthamoeba in the aquatic environment of Taiwan is attributed to the commonly found T4 genotype. Ultimately, we report the development of a small volume procedure, which is a combination of recent genotyping PCR and conventional real-time PCR for enumeration of aquatic Acanthamoeba and acquirement of biologically meaningful genotyping information. We anticipate that the newly developed detection method will contribute to the precise estimation, evaluation, and reduction of the contamination risk of pathogenic Acanthamoeba spp., which is regularly found in the water resources utilised for domestic purposes.
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Moreno-Mesonero L, Ferrús MA, Moreno Y. Determination of the bacterial microbiome of free-living amoebae isolated from wastewater by 16S rRNA amplicon-based sequencing. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 190:109987. [PMID: 32771367 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) are ubiquitous protozoa commonly found in water. FLA are well-established hosts for amoeba-resistant bacteria, most of which are pathogenic, and offer them shelter from adverse environmental conditions or water treatments. Since there is very little knowledge about the complete bacterial microbiome of FLA, in this work the bacterial microbiome of FLA isolated from wastewater both after secondary and tertiary treatments was studied by amplicon-based sequencing. FLA were detected in 87.5% and 50.0% of wastewater samples taken after secondary and tertiary disinfection treatments, respectively. The most abundant bacterial phyla were Proteobacteria, Planctomycetes, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, which represented 83.77% of the total bacterial FLA microbiome. The most abundant class of bacteria was Gammaproteobacteria, which contains an important number of relevant pathogenic bacteria. The bacteria of public health concern Aeromonas, Arcobacter, Campylobacter, Helicobacter, Klebsiella, Legionella, Mycobacterium, Pseudomonas and Salmonella were detected as part of the FLA microbiome. Although different microbial communities were identified in each sample, there is no correlation between the microbiome of FLA and the extent of wastewater treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first work in which the bacterial microbiome of FLA isolated from wastewater is studied. Obtained results indicate that FLA are hosts of potentially pathogenic bacteria in treated wastewater used for irrigation, which may pose a public health threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Moreno-Mesonero
- Research Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022, Valencia, Spain.
| | - María Antonia Ferrús
- Biotechnology Department, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Yolanda Moreno
- Research Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022, Valencia, Spain.
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Attariani H, Turki H, Shoja S, Salahi-Moghaddam A, Ghanbarnejad A, Shamseddin J. Investigating the frequency of free-living amoeba in water resources with emphasis on Acanthamoeba in Bandar Abbas city, Hormozgan province, Iran in 2019-2020. BMC Res Notes 2020; 13:420. [PMID: 32891184 PMCID: PMC7487464 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-020-05267-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective These amoebas can cause dangerous illnesses when they accidentally enter the human body, so it is necessary to determine various forms of organisms in water resources to prevent the danger they can cause and risks to human health. Currently, in Bandar Abbas, there is no sufficient information about the distribution of Acanthamoeba, and we intended to study its frequency and determine the related genotypes. Results Out of 83 water samples collected from different resources in the city, 31 plates (37.3%) were found to be positive for free-living amoebae. Of these, five were identified as Acanthamoeba (6%) by culture method and 8 (9.6%) by molecular method. Positive sample sequence analysis enabled us to distinguish two genotypes of T4 (7 cases) and T15 (1 case) in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Homa Attariani
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Habibollah Turki
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Saeed Shoja
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Abdoreza Salahi-Moghaddam
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Amin Ghanbarnejad
- Department of Public Health, Social Determinants in Health Promotion Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Jebreil Shamseddin
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
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Giongo A, dos Anjos Borges LG, Marconatto L, de Lara Palhano P, Serbent MP, Moreira-Silva E, de Abreu Siqueira T, Martinho CT, Barili R, Paz LV, Moser LI, De Marco Veríssimo C, Ketzer JMM, Medina-Silva R. Adaption of microbial communities to the hostile environment in the Doce River after the collapse of two iron ore tailing dams. Heliyon 2020; 6:e04778. [PMID: 32923720 PMCID: PMC7475130 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In November 2015, two iron ore tailing dams collapsed in the city of Mariana, Brazil. The dams' collapse generated a wave of approximately 50 million m3 of a mixture of mining waste and water. It was a major environmental tragedy in Brazilian history, which damaged rivers, and cities 660 km away in the Doce River basin until it reached the ocean coast. Shortly after the incident, several reports informed that the concentration of metals in the water was above acceptable legal limits under Brazilian laws. Here the microbial communities in samples of water, mud, foam, and rhizosphere of Eichhornia from Doce River were analyzed for 16S and 18S rRNA-based amplicon sequencing, along with microbial isolation, chemical and mineralogical analyses. Samples were collected one month and thirteen months after the collapse. Prokaryotic communities from mud shifted drastically over time (33% Bray-Curtis similarity), while water samples were more similar (63% Bray-Curtis similarity) in the same period. After 12 months, mud samples remained with high levels of heavy metals and a reduction in the diversity of microeukaryotes was detected. Amoebozoans increased in mud samples, reaching 49% of microeukaryote abundance, with Discosea and Lobosa groups being the most abundant. The microbial communities’ structure in mud samples changed adapting to the new environment condition. The characterization of microbial communities and metal-tolerant organisms from such impacted environments is essential for understanding the ecological consequences of massive anthropogenic impacts and strategies for the restoration of contaminated sites such as the Doce River.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Giongo
- Geobiology Laboratory, Instituto do Petróleo e dos Recursos Naturais (IPR), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Environmental Engineering Graduate Program, Universidade Regional de Blumenau (FURB), Blumenau, Brazil
| | - Luiz Gustavo dos Anjos Borges
- Geobiology Laboratory, Instituto do Petróleo e dos Recursos Naturais (IPR), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Letícia Marconatto
- Geobiology Laboratory, Instituto do Petróleo e dos Recursos Naturais (IPR), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Pâmela de Lara Palhano
- Geobiology Laboratory, Instituto do Petróleo e dos Recursos Naturais (IPR), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Maria Pilar Serbent
- Environmental Engineering Graduate Program, Universidade Regional de Blumenau (FURB), Blumenau, Brazil
- Sanitary Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Sanitary Engineering, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Ibirama, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Moreira-Silva
- Geobiology Laboratory, Instituto do Petróleo e dos Recursos Naturais (IPR), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Immunology and Microbiology Laboratory, School of Health and Life Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Tiago de Abreu Siqueira
- Geochemical Analyses Laboratory, Instituto do Petróleo e dos Recursos Naturais (IPR), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Caroline Thais Martinho
- Sedimentology and Petrology Laboratory, Instituto do Petróleo e dos Recursos Naturais (IPR), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Rosalia Barili
- Sedimentology and Petrology Laboratory, Instituto do Petróleo e dos Recursos Naturais (IPR), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Lisiê Valéria Paz
- Geobiology Laboratory, Instituto do Petróleo e dos Recursos Naturais (IPR), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Immunology and Microbiology Laboratory, School of Health and Life Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Letícia Isabela Moser
- Geochemical Analyses Laboratory, Instituto do Petróleo e dos Recursos Naturais (IPR), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Carolina De Marco Veríssimo
- Laboratory of Parasite Biology, School of Health and Life Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Renata Medina-Silva
- Geobiology Laboratory, Instituto do Petróleo e dos Recursos Naturais (IPR), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Immunology and Microbiology Laboratory, School of Health and Life Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Corresponding author.
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11
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Species, Sequence Types and Alleles: Dissecting Genetic Variation in Acanthamoeba. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9070534. [PMID: 32630775 PMCID: PMC7400246 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9070534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Species designations within Acanthamoeba are problematic because of pleomorphic morphology. Molecular approaches, including DNA sequencing, hinted at a resolution that has yet to be fully achieved. Alternative approaches were required. In 1996, the Byers/Fuerst lab introduced the concept of sequence types. Differences between isolates of Acanthamoeba could be quantitatively assessed by comparing sequences of the nuclear 18S rRNA gene, ultimately producing 22 sequence types, designated T1 through T22. The concept of sequence types helps our understanding of Acanthamoeba evolution. Nevertheless, substantial variation in the 18S rRNA gene differentiates many isolates within each sequence type. Because the majority of isolates with sequences in the international DNA databases have been studied for only a small segment of the gene, designated ASA.S1, genetic variation within this hypervariable region of the 18S rRNA gene has been scrutinized. In 2002, we first categorized variation in this region in a sample of T3 and T4 isolates from Hong Kong, observing ten “alleles” within type T4 and five “alleles” within T3. Subsequently, confusion occurred when different labs applied redundant numerical labels to identify different alleles. A more unified approach was required. We have tabulated alleles occurring in the sequences submitted to the international DNA databases, and determined their frequencies. Over 150 alleles have occurred more than once within 3500+ isolates of sequence type T4. Results from smaller samples of other sequence types (T3, T5, T11 and T15, and supergroup T2/6) have also been obtained. Our results provide new insights into the evolutionary history of Acanthamoeba, further illuminating the degree of genetic separation between significant taxonomic units within the genus, perhaps eventually elucidating what constitutes a species of Acanthamoeba.
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Gomes TS, Vaccaro L, Magnet A, Izquierdo F, Ollero D, Martínez-Fernández C, Mayo L, Moran M, Pozuelo MJ, Fenoy S, Hurtado C, Del Águila C. Presence and interaction of free-living amoebae and amoeba-resisting bacteria in water from drinking water treatment plants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 719:137080. [PMID: 32114219 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) are ubiquitous and many isolates have been shown to be infected with amoeba-resisting bacteria, as the example of Acanthamoeba and Legionella interaction. Due to the high environmental prevalence of Acanthamoeba. in the Castilian Plateau (Spain), the aims of this work were to investigate the occurrence of Acanthamoeba and other FLA in water from several sampling points from four Drinking Water Treatment Plants (DWTP) and to investigate the presence of Legionella spp. and other amoeba-resisting bacteria in biofilms in raw and finished water, taking into account that no legislation exists for this protozoa control. Acanthamoeba was detected at different sampling points, and sand filters seemed to contribute to amoebic enrichment. After ozonation, a temporary decrease in viable amoebae was observed. The genotypes detected were T3, T4, and T5, revealing the first report of genotype T5 in waters from this region. Moreover, Balamuthia mandrillaris, Vermamoeba vermiformis and Paravahlkampfia sp. were detected. Regarding Legionella, PCR detection in raw and finished water was higher than by agar culture, but even higher after Acanthamoeba co-culture. Also, Legionella's presence was higher in raw water than in finished water. The decrease of free Legionella observed from raw (27.5%, by PCR) to finished water (3.4% by PCR) contrasted with the increase of Legionella-infected FLA from raw (30.7%) to finished water (52%). At biofilm, free Legionella was not detected, and the percentage of infected FLA was low (3.8%). Legionella species identified in these samples were L. drozanskii, L. donaldsonii and L. feeleii. Additionally, Acanthamoeba co-culture led to the isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, P. stutzeri, P. fluorecens, Achromobacter xylosoxidans and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. The highly disseminated presence of Acanthamoeba and the detection of amoeba-resisting bacteria inside amoebae highlight the importance of developing methods for controlling FLA in order to limit human pathogenic amoeba-resisting bacteria survival to the water purification processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago Santos Gomes
- University San Pablo CEU, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urbanización Monteprincipe s/n, 28925 Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain; CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brasília, DF 70040-020, Brazil
| | - Lucianna Vaccaro
- University San Pablo CEU, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urbanización Monteprincipe s/n, 28925 Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Angela Magnet
- University San Pablo CEU, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urbanización Monteprincipe s/n, 28925 Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Izquierdo
- University San Pablo CEU, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urbanización Monteprincipe s/n, 28925 Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Dolores Ollero
- University San Pablo CEU, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urbanización Monteprincipe s/n, 28925 Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Martínez-Fernández
- University San Pablo CEU, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urbanización Monteprincipe s/n, 28925 Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Mayo
- University San Pablo CEU, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urbanización Monteprincipe s/n, 28925 Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Moran
- University San Pablo CEU, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urbanización Monteprincipe s/n, 28925 Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - María José Pozuelo
- University San Pablo CEU, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urbanización Monteprincipe s/n, 28925 Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Soledad Fenoy
- University San Pablo CEU, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urbanización Monteprincipe s/n, 28925 Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolina Hurtado
- University San Pablo CEU, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urbanización Monteprincipe s/n, 28925 Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Del Águila
- University San Pablo CEU, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urbanización Monteprincipe s/n, 28925 Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain.
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13
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Mitsuwan W, Bunsuwansakul C, Leonard TE, Laohaprapanon S, Hounkong K, Bunluepuech K, Kaewjai C, Mahboob T, Sumudi Raju C, Dhobi M, Pereira MDL, Nawaz M, Wiart C, Siyadatpanah A, Norouzi R, Nissapatorn V. Curcuma longa ethanol extract and Curcumin inhibit the growth of Acanthamoeba triangularis trophozoites and cysts isolated from water reservoirs at Walailak University, Thailand. Pathog Glob Health 2020; 114:194-204. [PMID: 32315247 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2020.1755551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
CURCUMA LONGA (C. longa) rhizome extract has been traditionally used to treat many infections. Curcumin, a pure compound isolated from the plant, has been documented to possess a wide spectrum of pharmacological effects. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Thai medicinal plant extracts including C. longa extract and Curcumin on Acanthamoeba triangularis, a causative agent of human Acanthamoeba keratitis. The parasite was isolated from the recreational reservoir at Walailak University, Thailand. The organism was identified as A. triangularis using morphology and 18S rDNA nucleotide sequences. The pathogen was tested for their susceptibility to ethanol extracts of Thai medicinal plants based on eye infection treatment. The ethanol C. longa extract showed the strongest anti-Acanthamoeba activity against both the trophozoites and cysts, followed by Coscinium fenestratum, Coccinia grandis, and Acmella oleracea extracts, respectively. After 24 h, 95% reduction of trophozoite viability was significantly decreased following the treatment with C. longa extract at 125 µg/mL, compared with the control (P < 0.05). The extract at 1,000 µg/mL inhibited 90% viability of Acanthamoeba cyst within 24 h, compared with the control. It was found that the cysts treated with C. longa extract at 500 µg/mL demonstrated abnormal shape after 24 h. The MIC values of C. longa extract and Curcumin against the trophozoites were 125 and 62.5 µg/mL, respectively. While the MICs of the extract and curcumin against the cysts were 500 and 1,000 µg/mL, respectively. The results suggested the potential medicinal benefits of C. longa extract and Curcumin as the alternative treatment of Acanthamoeba infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Watcharapong Mitsuwan
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Southeast Asia Water Team (SEA Water Team) and World Union for Herbal Drug Discovery (WUHeDD), Walailak University , Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Chooseel Bunsuwansakul
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Southeast Asia Water Team (SEA Water Team) and World Union for Herbal Drug Discovery (WUHeDD), Walailak University , Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Theodore Ebenezer Leonard
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Southeast Asia Water Team (SEA Water Team) and World Union for Herbal Drug Discovery (WUHeDD), Walailak University , Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Indonesia International Institute for Life Sciences , Jakarta, Indonesia
| | | | - Kruawan Hounkong
- Faculty of Medicine, Princess of Naradhiwas University , Narathiwat, Thailand
| | - Kingkan Bunluepuech
- School of Allied Health Sciences and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University , Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Chalermpon Kaewjai
- Faculty of Medical Technology, Rangsit University , Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Tooba Mahboob
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chandramathi Sumudi Raju
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mahaveer Dhobi
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University , Delhi, India
| | - Maria de Lourdes Pereira
- Department of Medical Sciences and CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro , Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Muhammad Nawaz
- Department of Nano-Medicine Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University , Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Abolghasem Siyadatpanah
- Ferdows School of Paramedical and Health, Birjand University of Medical Sciences , Birjand, Iran
| | - Roghayeh Norouzi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz , Tabriz, Iran
| | - Veeranoot Nissapatorn
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Southeast Asia Water Team (SEA Water Team) and World Union for Herbal Drug Discovery (WUHeDD), Walailak University , Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
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14
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Limited presence of Waddlia chondrophila in drinking water systems in the Netherlands. New Microbes New Infect 2019; 34:100635. [PMID: 32021695 PMCID: PMC6994710 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2019.100635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Waddlia chondrophila is an emerging pathogen belonging to the order of Chlamydiales. This obligate intracellular bacterium was initially isolated from an aborted bovine fetus and is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in women. The ability of W. chondrophila to reside and replicate within a range of free-living amoebae implies a possible widespread environmental presence. Potential hosts of W. chondrophila are present in Dutch drinking water. This study therefore investigated the presence of W. chondrophila DNA in drinking water by analysing 59 samples from ten drinking water systems throughout the Netherlands. Samples were taken at three distances from the treatment plant, during both summer and winter. Twelve of the samples were positive, originating from two of the treatment plants, of which three samples were quantifiable.
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15
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Moreno Y, Moreno-Mesonero L, García-Hernández J. DVC-FISH to identify potentially pathogenic Legionella inside free-living amoebae from water sources. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 176:108521. [PMID: 31195295 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Despite all safety efforts, drinking and wastewater can still be contaminated by Legionella and free-living amoebae (FLA) since these microorganisms are capable of resisting disinfection treatments. An amoebae cyst harboring pathogenic Legionella spp. can be a transporter of this organism, protecting it and enhancing its infection abilities. Therefore, the aim of this work is to identify by DVC-FISH viable Legionella spp and Legionella pneumophila cells inside FLA from water sources in a specific and rapid way with the aim of assessing the real risk of these waters. A total of 55 water samples were processed, 30 reclaimed wastewater and 25 drinking water. FLA presence was detected in 52.7% of the total processed water samples. When DVC-FISH technique was applied, the presence of viable internalized Legionella spp. cells was identified in 69.0% of the total FLA-positive samples, concretely in 70.0% and 66.7% of wastewater and drinking water samples, respectively. L. pneumophila was simultaneously identified in 48.3% of the total FLA-positive samples, specifically in 50.0% and 44.4% of wastewater and drinking water samples, respectively. By culture, potentially pathogenic Legionella cells were recovered in 27.6% of the total FLA-positive bacteria, particularly in 35.0% and 11.1% of wastewater and drinking water samples, respectively. These findings demonstrate that FLA may promote resistance of bacteria to the performed disinfection treatments for drinking as well as for wastewater. So, in addition to the risk for the presence of pathogenic FLA in water it is necessary to take into account that these can be transporters of the pathogenic bacteria Legionella, which are able to survive inside them. The DVC-FISH method described here has been proved to be a rapid and specific tool to identify pathogenic Legionella spp. and L. penumophila viable cells harboured by FLA in these water sources, posing particular public health concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Moreno
- Research Institute of Water and Environmental Ingeneering (IIAMA), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain.
| | - L Moreno-Mesonero
- Research Institute of Water and Environmental Ingeneering (IIAMA), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - J García-Hernández
- Biotechnology Department, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain
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16
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Bhardwaj N, Bhardwaj SK, Bhatt D, Lim DK, Kim KH, Deep A. Optical detection of waterborne pathogens using nanomaterials. Trends Analyt Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2019.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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17
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Caicedo C, Rosenwinkel KH, Exner M, Verstraete W, Suchenwirth R, Hartemann P, Nogueira R. Legionella occurrence in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants and risks of reclaimed wastewater reuse: Review. WATER RESEARCH 2019; 149:21-34. [PMID: 30445393 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2018.10.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/27/2018] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have been identified as confirmed but until today underestimated sources of Legionella, playing an important role in local and community cases and outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease. In general, aerobic biological systems provide an optimum environment for the growth of Legionella due to high organic nitrogen and oxygen concentrations, ideal temperatures and the presence of protozoa. However, few studies have investigated the occurrence of Legionella in WWTPs, and many questions in regards to the interacting factors that promote the proliferation and persistence of Legionella in these treatment systems are still unanswered. This critical review summarizes the current knowledge about Legionella in municipal and industrial WWTPs, the conditions that might support their growth, as well as control strategies that have been applied. Furthermore, an overview of current quantification methods, guidelines and health risks associated with Legionella in reclaimed wastewater is also discussed in depth. A better understanding of the conditions promoting the occurrence of Legionella in WWTPs will contribute to the development of improved wastewater treatment technologies and/or innovative mitigation approaches to minimize future Legionella outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Caicedo
- Leibniz University Hannover, Institute for Sanitary Engineering and Waste Management, Hannover, 30167, Germany.
| | - K-H Rosenwinkel
- Leibniz University Hannover, Institute for Sanitary Engineering and Waste Management, Hannover, 30167, Germany
| | - M Exner
- University of Bonn, Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, Bonn, Germany
| | - W Verstraete
- Ghent University, CMET, Ghent, and Avecom, Wondelgem, Belgium
| | - R Suchenwirth
- Public Health Office of Lower Saxony, Hannover, Germany
| | - P Hartemann
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Environment and Public Health, Nancy University-CHU Nancy, Vandoeuvre Les Nancy, France
| | - R Nogueira
- Leibniz University Hannover, Institute for Sanitary Engineering and Waste Management, Hannover, 30167, Germany.
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18
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Ren K, Xue Y, Rønn R, Liu L, Chen H, Rensing C, Yang J. Dynamics and determinants of amoeba community, occurrence and abundance in subtropical reservoirs and rivers. WATER RESEARCH 2018; 146:177-186. [PMID: 30243060 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2018.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 09/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae are widespread in freshwater ecosystems. Although many studies have investigated changes in their communities across space, the temporal variability and the drivers of community changes across different habitat types are poorly understood. A total of 108 surface water samples were collected on a seasonal basis from four reservoirs and two rivers in Xiamen city, subtropical China. We used high throughput sequencing and qPCR methods to explore the occurrence and abundance of free-living amoebae. In total, 335 amoeba OTUs were detected, and only 32 OTUs were shared by reservoir and river habitats. The reservoirs and rivers harbored unique amoebae communities and exhibited distinct seasonal patterns in community composition. High abundance of the 18S rRNA gene of Acanthamoeba was observed in spring and summer, whereas the abundance was low in autumn and winter. In addition, the abundance of Hartmannella was significantly higher when isolated from reservoirs in summer/autumn and from river in spring/summer. Moreover, the temporal patterns of amoebae communities were significantly associated with water temperature, indicating that temperature is an important variable controlling the ecological dynamics of amoebae populations. However, our comparative analysis indicated that both environmental selection, and neutral processes, significantly contributed to amoeba community assembly. The genera detected here include pathogenic species and species that can act as vectors for microbial pathogens, which can cause human infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Ren
- Aquatic EcoHealth Group, Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Yuanyuan Xue
- Aquatic EcoHealth Group, Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Regin Rønn
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Arctic Station, University of Copenhagen, Qeqertarsuaq, Greenland; Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Lemian Liu
- Aquatic EcoHealth Group, Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Huihuang Chen
- Aquatic EcoHealth Group, Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Christopher Rensing
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and the Environment, Fujian Agriculture & Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China.
| | - Jun Yang
- Aquatic EcoHealth Group, Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China.
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19
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Najafpoor AA, Zarrinfar H, Ghaderifar S, Alidadi H, Esmaily H, Hajialilo E, Hosseini Farash BR, Ahmadi E. Naegleria species population found in pond water of parks in Mashhad city, Can the physicochemical factors affect it? MethodsX 2018; 5:1427-1430. [PMID: 30456177 PMCID: PMC6232641 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2018.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Naegleria species are the ubiquitous free-living amoebas that are found worldwide in soil and water. Among Naegleria spp., N. fowleri can cause primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Ninety water samples were collected from the pond of parks. Also, the water quality parameters were measured at the sampling site (such as temperature, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC) and Turbidity). After filtering, the samples were cultured on Bacto-agar enriched with Escherichia coli. A PCR assay was conducted on the culture-positive samples in the ITS1, 5.8SrDNA and ITS2 regions, and then the PCR products were sequenced. The pond water of parks was contaminated with some Naegleria spp. (except N. fowleri) and a Vahlkampfia avara. There was no significant relationship between water quality parameters and the presence of Naegleria (p > 0.05). Our protocol investigates to detect Naegleria spp. from ponds water of parks in Mashhad city and the relations between the water quality parameters and its presence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Asghar Najafpoor
- Social Determinatns of Health Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hossein Zarrinfar
- Allergy Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Shiva Ghaderifar
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hossein Alidadi
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Habibolah Esmaily
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Research Health Center, Faculty of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Elham Hajialilo
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Bibi Razieh Hosseini Farash
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Elahe Ahmadi
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Ghaderifar S, Najafpoor AA, Zarrinfar H, Esmaily H, Hajialilo E. Isolation and identification of Acanthamoeba from pond water of parks in a tropical and subtropical region in the Middle East, and its relation with physicochemical parameters. BMC Microbiol 2018; 18:139. [PMID: 30340522 PMCID: PMC6195741 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-018-1301-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Free-living amoeba (FLA) are wide-spread protozoa that are found in different environmental sources including water, soil, dust, hospital units and ventilation areas. These amoebas can act as opportunistic or non-opportunistic pathogens. Among FLAs, some genera such as Acanthamoeba are important because of their potential pathogenic ability in humans. The purpose of this study is to identify of Acanthamoeba isolated from pond water of parks in a tropical and subtropical region in the Middle East, and its relation with physicochemical parameters.From August to December 2015, 90 samples were collected from pond water of parks of 13 regions of Mashhad City. Physicochemical parameters were measured in situ. After filtering, the samples were cultured on Bacto-agar enriched with Escherichia coli. PCR analysis was conducted on the culture-positive samples, and then the PCR products were sequenced. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS software and Fisher’s Exact and Mann-Whitney test. Results Among the samples that were examined, 19 samples (21.1%) were positive for Acanthamoeba. The sequencing revealed that Acanthamoeba isolates belonged to T4 genotype of Acanthamoeba. There was no significant relationship between physicochemical parameters and the presence of Acanthamoeba. Conclusion The prevalence of Acanthamoeba in pond water of parks was relatively high, but there was no significant relationship between physicochemical parameters and the presence of Acanthamoeba.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiva Ghaderifar
- Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Asghar Najafpoor
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. .,Global Center for Environmental Remediation, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Iran.
| | - Hossein Zarrinfar
- Allergy Research Center Mashhad, University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Habibollah Esmaily
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Elham Hajialilo
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
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Shehab KW, Aboul-Nasr K, Elliott SP. Balamuthia mandrillaris Granulomatous Amebic Encephalitis With Renal Dissemination in a Previously Healthy Child: Case Report and Review of the Pediatric Literature. J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc 2018; 7:e163-e168. [PMID: 29096002 DOI: 10.1093/jpids/pix089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Balamuthia mandrillaris is a recently described ameba known to cause a subacute to chronic central nervous system infection called granulomatous amebic encephalitis. Evidence suggests that apparently immunocompetent persons are at risk for disease and show a similar nonspecific presentation to that of immunodeficient persons. However, evidence of hematogenous dissemination, which has been found in immunodeficient patients, has been lacking in immunocompetent patients. Here, we describe a previously healthy patient with B mandrillaris-associated granulomatous amebic encephalitis in whom both central nervous system and renal disease were found during autopsy, which suggests hematogenous dissemination. We also provide a comprehensive review of the pediatric literature on this disease and its clinical presentation in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kareem W Shehab
- Department of Pathology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson
| | - Khalid Aboul-Nasr
- Department of Pathology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson
| | - Sean P Elliott
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson
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Alfonso-Muñoz EA, Roig-Revert MJ, Fernández-López E, Hernández-Díaz M, Araujo-Miranda R, Peris-Martínez C. A report of 10 patients with Acanthamoeba keratitis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 93:497-502. [PMID: 29885816 DOI: 10.1016/j.oftal.2018.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2018] [Revised: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
CLINICAL CASES Cases are presented of 10 patients with Acanthamoeba keratitis treated between 2008 and 2017. All were contact lens wearers. All of them received treatment with a biguanide combined with a diamidine. In 3 cases the infestation did not exceed the superficial stroma, responding to topical treatment. In 7, the infection reached the deep stroma, with 6 of these cases requiring penetrating keratoplasty (PKP), 3 of them therapeutic PKP because of perforation risk or ocular spreading. The visual acuity improved in all the cases. CONCLUSION The infestation depth at the time of diagnosis appears to be the main risk factor for requiring a PKP.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Alfonso-Muñoz
- FISABIO-Oftalmología Médica (FOM), Unidad de Córnea y Enfermedades del Segmento Anterior, Valencia, España.
| | - M J Roig-Revert
- FISABIO-Oftalmología Médica (FOM), Unidad de Córnea y Enfermedades del Segmento Anterior, Valencia, España
| | - E Fernández-López
- FISABIO-Oftalmología Médica (FOM), Unidad de Córnea y Enfermedades del Segmento Anterior, Valencia, España
| | - M Hernández-Díaz
- FISABIO-Oftalmología Médica (FOM), Unidad de Córnea y Enfermedades del Segmento Anterior, Valencia, España
| | - R Araujo-Miranda
- FISABIO-Oftalmología Médica (FOM), Unidad de Córnea y Enfermedades del Segmento Anterior, Valencia, España
| | - C Peris-Martínez
- FISABIO-Oftalmología Médica (FOM), Unidad de Córnea y Enfermedades del Segmento Anterior, Valencia, España
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Moreno Y, Moreno-Mesonero L, Amorós I, Pérez R, Morillo JA, Alonso JL. Multiple identification of most important waterborne protozoa in surface water used for irrigation purposes by 18S rRNA amplicon-based metagenomics. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2017; 221:102-111. [PMID: 29066287 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2017.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Understanding waterborne protozoan parasites (WPPs) diversity has important implications in public health. In this study, we evaluated a NGS-based method as a detection approach to identify simultaneously most important WPPs using 18S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. A set of primers to target the V4 18S rRNA region of WPPs such as Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia sp., Blastocystis sp., Entamoeba spp, Toxoplasma sp. and free-living amoebae (FLA) was designed. In order to optimize PCR conditions before sequencing, both a mock community with a defined composition of representative WPPs and a real water sample inoculated with specific WPPs DNA were prepared. Using the method proposed in this study, we have detected the presence of Giardia intestinalis, Acanthamoeba castellanii, Toxoplasma gondii, Entamoeba histolytica and Blastocystis sp. at species level in real irrigation water samples. Our results showed that untreated surface irrigation water in open fields can provide an important source of WPPs. Therefore, the methodology proposed in this study can establish a basis for an accurate and effective diagnostic of WPPs to provide a better understanding of the risk associated to irrigation water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Moreno
- Instituto Universitario de Ingeniería del Agua y Medio Ambiente, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - L Moreno-Mesonero
- Instituto Universitario de Ingeniería del Agua y Medio Ambiente, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - I Amorós
- Instituto Universitario de Ingeniería del Agua y Medio Ambiente, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - R Pérez
- Instituto Universitario de Ingeniería del Agua y Medio Ambiente, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - J A Morillo
- Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (EEZA-CSIC), Carretera de Sacramento s/n, La Cañada, Almería, Spain
| | - J L Alonso
- Instituto Universitario de Ingeniería del Agua y Medio Ambiente, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
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Occurrence of Infected Free-Living Amoebae in Cooling Towers of Southern Brazil. Curr Microbiol 2017; 74:1461-1468. [PMID: 28840339 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-017-1341-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
This study determined the occurrence of potentially pathogenic free-living amoebae (FLA) and bacteria associated with amoebae in air-conditioning cooling towers in southern Brazil. Water samples were collected from 36 cooling systems from air-conditioning in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The organisms were identified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing automated. The results showed that these aquatic environments, with variable temperature, are potential "hot spots" for emerging human pathogens like free-living amoebae and bacteria associated. In total, 92% of the cooling-tower samples analyzed were positive for FLA, and Acanthamoeba was the dominant genus by culture and PCR. Amoebal isolates revealed intracellular bacteria in 39.3% of them and all were confirmed as members of the genus Pseudomonas. The results obtained show the important role of cooling towers as a source of amoebae-associated pathogens.
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25
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Moreno-Mesonero L, Moreno Y, Alonso JL, Ferrús MA. Detection of viable Helicobacter pylori inside free-living amoebae in wastewater and drinking water samples from Eastern Spain. Environ Microbiol 2017; 19:4103-4112. [PMID: 28707344 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.13856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Revised: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori is one of the most concerning emerging waterborne pathogens. It has been suggested that it could survive in water inside free-living amoebae (FLA), but nobody has studied this relationship in the environment yet. Thus, we aimed to detect viable H. pylori cells from inside FLA in water samples. Sixty-nine wastewater and 31 drinking water samples were collected. FLA were purified and identified by PCR and sequencing. For exclusively detecting H. pylori inside FLA, samples were exposed to sodium hypochlorite and assayed by specific PMA-qPCR, DVC-FISH and culture. FLA were detected in 38.7% of drinking water and 79.7% of wastewater samples, even after disinfection. In wastewater, Acanthamoeba spp. and members of the family Vahlkampfiidae were identified. In drinking water, Acanthamoeba spp. and Echinamoeba and/or Vermamoeba were present. In 39 (58.2%) FLA-positive samples, H. pylori was detected by PMA-qPCR. After DVC-FISH, 21 (31.3%) samples harboured viable H. pylori internalized cells. H. pylori was cultured from 10 wastewater samples. To our knowledge, this is the first report that demonstrates that H. pylori can survive inside FLA in drinking water and wastewater, strongly supporting the hypothesis that FLA could play an important role in the transmission of H. pylori to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Moreno-Mesonero
- Research Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia 46022, Spain
| | - Yolanda Moreno
- Research Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia 46022, Spain
| | - José Luis Alonso
- Research Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia 46022, Spain
| | - M Antonia Ferrús
- Research Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia 46022, Spain.,Biotechnology Department, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia 46022, Spain
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26
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Ak S, Eroğlu F, Nergiz Aİ, Hıyamlı F. Are soil and waterborne parasitic infections health risk for worker populations in southeast Turkey? DICLE MEDICAL JOURNAL 2017. [DOI: 10.5798/dicletip.319779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Plutzer J, Karanis P. Neglected waterborne parasitic protozoa and their detection in water. WATER RESEARCH 2016; 101:318-332. [PMID: 27281375 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2016.05.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Revised: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Outbreak incidents raise the question of whether the less frequent aetiological agents of outbreaks are really less frequent in water. Alternatively, waterborne transmission could be relevant, but the lack of attention and rapid, sensitive methods to recover and detect the exogenous stages in water may keep them under-recognized. High quality information on the prevalence and detection of less frequent waterborne protozoa, such as Cyclospora cayetanensis, Toxoplasma gondii, Isospora belli, Balantidium coli, Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba histolytica and other free-living amoebae (FLA), are not available. This present paper discusses the detection tools applied for the water surveillance of the neglected waterborne protozoa mentioned above and provides future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Plutzer
- Qinghai Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China; National Public Health Center, National Directorate of Environmental Health, Environmental Health Testing Laboratory, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- Qinghai Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
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28
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Scheikl U, Tsao HF, Horn M, Indra A, Walochnik J. Free-living amoebae and their associated bacteria in Austrian cooling towers: a 1-year routine screening. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:3365-74. [PMID: 27177720 PMCID: PMC4980419 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5097-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) are widely spread in the environment and known to cause rare but often serious infections. Besides this, FLA may serve as vehicles for bacterial pathogens. In particular, Legionella pneumophila is known to replicate within FLA thereby also gaining enhanced infectivity. Cooling towers have been the source of outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease in the past and are thus usually screened for legionellae on a routine basis, not considering, however, FLA and their vehicle function. The aim of this study was to incorporate a screening system for host amoebae into a Legionella routine screening. A new real-time PCR-based screening system for various groups of FLA was established. Three cooling towers were screened every 2 weeks over the period of 1 year for FLA and Legionella spp., by culture and molecular methods in parallel. Altogether, 83.3 % of the cooling tower samples were positive for FLA, Acanthamoeba being the dominating genus. Interestingly, 69.7 % of the cooling tower samples were not suitable for the standard Legionella screening due to their high organic burden. In the remaining samples, positivity for Legionella spp. was 25 % by culture, but overall positivity was 50 % by molecular methods. Several amoebal isolates revealed intracellular bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ute Scheikl
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Han-Fei Tsao
- Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, Division of Microbial Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Horn
- Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, Division of Microbial Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Indra
- Department of Mycobacteriology and Clinical Molecular Biology, AGES, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Walochnik
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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29
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Delafont V, Bouchon D, Héchard Y, Moulin L. Environmental factors shaping cultured free-living amoebae and their associated bacterial community within drinking water network. WATER RESEARCH 2016; 100:382-392. [PMID: 27219048 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2016.05.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) constitute an important part of eukaryotic populations colonising drinking water networks. However, little is known about the factors influencing their ecology in such environments. Because of their status as reservoir of potentially pathogenic bacteria, understanding environmental factors impacting FLA populations and their associated bacterial community is crucial. Through sampling of a large drinking water network, the diversity of cultivable FLA and their bacterial community were investigated by an amplicon sequencing approach, and their correlation with physicochemical parameters was studied. While FLA ubiquitously colonised the water network all year long, significant changes in population composition were observed. These changes were partially explained by several environmental parameters, namely water origin, temperature, pH and chlorine concentration. The characterisation of FLA associated bacterial community reflected a diverse but rather stable consortium composed of nearly 1400 OTUs. The definition of a core community highlighted the predominance of only few genera, majorly dominated by Pseudomonas and Stenotrophomonas. Co-occurrence analysis also showed significant patterns of FLA-bacteria association, and allowed uncovering potentially new FLA - bacteria interactions. From our knowledge, this study is the first that combines a large sampling scheme with high-throughput identification of FLA together with associated bacteria, along with their influencing environmental parameters. Our results demonstrate the importance of physicochemical parameters in the ecology of FLA and their bacterial community in water networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Delafont
- Université de Poitiers, Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions, UMR CNRS 7267, Equipes Microbiologie de l'Eau & Ecologie, Evolution, Symbiose, France; Eau de Paris, Direction de la Recherche et du Développement pour la Qualité de l'Eau, R&D Biologie, 33, Avenue Jean Jaurès, 94200 Ivry sur Seine, France
| | - Didier Bouchon
- Université de Poitiers, Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions, UMR CNRS 7267, Equipes Microbiologie de l'Eau & Ecologie, Evolution, Symbiose, France
| | - Yann Héchard
- Université de Poitiers, Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions, UMR CNRS 7267, Equipes Microbiologie de l'Eau & Ecologie, Evolution, Symbiose, France
| | - Laurent Moulin
- Eau de Paris, Direction de la Recherche et du Développement pour la Qualité de l'Eau, R&D Biologie, 33, Avenue Jean Jaurès, 94200 Ivry sur Seine, France.
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Fernandez-Cassi X, Silvera C, Cervero-Aragó S, Rusiñol M, Latif-Eugeni F, Bruguera-Casamada C, Civit S, Araujo RM, Figueras MJ, Girones R, Bofill-Mas S. Evaluation of the microbiological quality of reclaimed water produced from a lagooning system. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:16816-33. [PMID: 27194016 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-6812-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The use of lagooning as a complementary natural method of treating secondary effluents of wastewater treatment plants has been employed as an affordable and easy means of producing reclaimed water. However, using reclaimed water for some purposes, for example, for food irrigation, presents some risks if the effluents contain microbial pathogens. Classical bacterial indicators that are used to assess faecal contamination in water do not always properly indicate the presence of bacterial or viral pathogens. In the current study, the presence of faecal indicator bacteria (FIB), heterotrophic bacterial counts (HBC), pathogens and opportunistic pathogens, such as Legionella spp., Aeromonas spp., Arcobacter spp., free-living amoeba (FLA), several viral indicators (human adenovirus and polyomavirus JC) and viral pathogens (noroviruses and hepatitis E virus) were analysed for 1 year in inlet and outlet water to assess the removal efficiency of a lagooning system. We observed 2.58 (1.17-4.59) and 1.65 (0.15-3.14) log reductions in Escherichia coli (EC) and intestinal enterococci (IE), respectively, between the inlet and outlet samples. Genomic copies of the viruses were log reduced by 1.18 (0.24-2.93), 0.64 (0.12-1.97), 0.45 (0.04-2.54) and 0.72 (0.22-2.50) for human adenovirus (HAdV), JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) and human noroviruses (NoV GI and GII), respectively. No regrowth of opportunistic pathogens was observed within the system. FLA, detected in all samples, did not show a clear trend. The reduction of faecal pathogens was irregular with 6 out of 12 samples and 4 out of 12 samples exceeding the EC and IE values, specified in the Spanish legislation for reclaimed water (RD 1620/2007). This data evidences that there is a need for more studies to evaluate the removal mechanisms of lagooning systems in order to optimize pathogen reduction. Moreover, surveillance of water used to irrigate raw edible vegetables should be conducted to ensure the fulfilment of the microbial requirements for the production of safe reclaimed water.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Fernandez-Cassi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - C Silvera
- Unitat de Microbiologia, Departament de Ciènces Médiques Bàsiques, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - S Cervero-Aragó
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Water Hygiene, Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- ICC Water and Health, Vienna, Austria
| | - M Rusiñol
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - F Latif-Eugeni
- Unitat de Microbiologia, Departament de Ciènces Médiques Bàsiques, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - C Bruguera-Casamada
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S Civit
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - R M Araujo
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M J Figueras
- Unitat de Microbiologia, Departament de Ciènces Médiques Bàsiques, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - R Girones
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S Bofill-Mas
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Acanthamoeba spp. in Contact Lenses from Healthy Individuals from Madrid, Spain. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0154246. [PMID: 27105183 PMCID: PMC4841564 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a painful and potentially blinding corneal infection caused by Acanthamoeba spp. In Madrid, environmental studies have demonstrated a high presence of these free-living amoebae in tap water. Since most of AK cases occur in contact lenses (CL) wearers with inadequate hygiene habits, the presence of Acanthamoeba in discarded CL has been studied and compared with other common etiological agents of keratitis, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Methods One hundred and seventy-seven healthy individuals from Madrid contributed their discarded CL and answered a questionnaire on hygiene habits. DNA was extracted from the CL solution and analyzed by real-time PCR for Acanthamoeba, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. These CL and their solutions were also cultured on non-nutrient agar to isolate Acanthamoeba. Results Among the 177 samples, Acanthamoeba DNA was detected in 87 (49.2%), P. aeruginosa DNA in 14 (7.9%) and S. aureus DNA in 19 (10.7%). Cultivable amoebae, however, were observed in only one sample (0.6%). This isolate was genotyped as T4. The habits reported by this CL owner included some recognized risk factors for AK, but in this study only the practice of “not cleaning the CL case” presented some statistical significant association with Acanthamoeba DNA presence. Detection of the investigated bacterial DNA did not demonstrate statistical significant association with the studied practices, but the presence of P. aeruginosa revealed a possible inhibition of Acanthamoeba in these samples. Conclusions The PCR results suggest a high presence of Acanthamoeba spp. in healthy CL wearers from Madrid, but we can assume that CL solutions are properly disinfecting the CL since only 1.1% of the positive PCR samples correspond to viable amoebae and, after four years, only one participant reported stronger ocular problems. Nevertheless, more studies are necessary to corroborate this hypothesis.
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Detection of Balamuthia mandrillaris DNA in the storage case of contact lenses in Germany. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:2111-4. [PMID: 26965426 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-4979-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba spp. are frequently the etiological agents of a severe form of sight-threatening keratitis, called Acanthamoeba keratitis. The contact lens storage solution of a patient with keratitis of unknown genesis was screened using our diagnostic tools to detect potentially pathogenic free-living amoebae (FLA). Culture methods and a triplex quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) targeting Acanthamoeba spp., Naegleria fowleri, and Balamuthia mandrillaris were used in context of this routine screening. While no amoebae were detected by culture, qPCR specifically detected DNA of B. mandrillaris. This FLA is known as the etiological agent of a fatal form of encephalitis in humans and other mammals, Balamuthia amoebic encephalitis (BAE). A fragment of the 18S rDNA gene was amplified from the sample and showed 99 % sequence identity to B. mandrillaris sequences from GenBank. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of B. mandrillaris found in association with contact lenses. Although no viable amoeba was obtained by culturing efforts, the verification of B. mandrillaris DNA in the contact lens storage solution demonstrates how easily this pathogen might come into close contact with humans.
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Fuerst PA, Booton GC, Crary M. Phylogenetic analysis and the evolution of the 18S rRNA gene typing system of Acanthamoeba. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2015; 62:69-84. [PMID: 25284310 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2014] [Revised: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Species of Acanthamoeba were first described using morphological characters including cyst structure and cytology of nuclear division. More than 20 nominal species were proposed using these methods. Morphology, especially cyst shape and size, has proven to be plastic and dependent upon culture conditions. The DNA sequence of the nuclear small-subunit (18S) rRNA, the Rns gene, has become the most widely accepted method for rapid diagnosis and classification of Acanthamoeba. The Byers-Fuerst lab first proposed an Rns typing system in 1996. Subsequent refinements, with an increasing DNA database and analysis of diagnostic fragments within the gene, have become widely accepted by the Acanthamoeba research community. The development of the typing system, including its current state of implementation is illustrated by three cases: (i) the division between sequence types T13 and T16; (ii) the diversity within sequence supertype T2/T6, and (iii) verification of a new sequence type, designated T20. Molecular studies make clear the disconnection between phylogenetic relatedness and species names, as applied for the genus Acanthamoeba. Future reconciliation of genetic types with species names must become a priority, but the possible shortcomings of the use of a single gene when reconstructing the evolutionary history of the acanthamoebidae must also be resolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Fuerst
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio; Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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Ashbolt NJ. Environmental (Saprozoic) Pathogens of Engineered Water Systems: Understanding Their Ecology for Risk Assessment and Management. Pathogens 2015; 4:390-405. [PMID: 26102291 PMCID: PMC4493481 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens4020390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Revised: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Major waterborne (enteric) pathogens are relatively well understood and treatment controls are effective when well managed. However, water-based, saprozoic pathogens that grow within engineered water systems (primarily within biofilms/sediments) cannot be controlled by water treatment alone prior to entry into water distribution and other engineered water systems. Growth within biofilms or as in the case of Legionella pneumophila, primarily within free-living protozoa feeding on biofilms, results from competitive advantage. Meaning, to understand how to manage water-based pathogen diseases (a sub-set of saprozoses) we need to understand the microbial ecology of biofilms; with key factors including biofilm bacterial diversity that influence amoebae hosts and members antagonistic to water-based pathogens, along with impacts from biofilm substratum, water temperature, flow conditions and disinfectant residual—all control variables. Major saprozoic pathogens covering viruses, bacteria, fungi and free-living protozoa are listed, yet today most of the recognized health burden from drinking waters is driven by legionellae, non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) and, to a lesser extent, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In developing best management practices for engineered water systems based on hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) or water safety plan (WSP) approaches, multi-factor control strategies, based on quantitative microbial risk assessments need to be developed, to reduce disease from largely opportunistic, water-based pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Ashbolt
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Rm 3-57D South Academic Building, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G7, Canada.
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Montalbano Di Filippo M, Santoro M, Lovreglio P, Monno R, Capolongo C, Calia C, Fumarola L, D'Alfonso R, Berrilli F, Di Cave D. Isolation and molecular characterization of free-living amoebae from different water sources in Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2015; 12:3417-27. [PMID: 25811766 PMCID: PMC4410193 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph120403417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Revised: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) are protozoa ubiquitous in Nature, isolated from a variety of environments worldwide. In addition to their natural distribution, some species have been found to be pathogenic to humans. In the present study a survey was conducted in order to evaluate the presence and to characterize at molecular level the isolates of amoebic organisms collected from different water sources in Italy. A total of 160 water samples were analyzed by culture and microscopic examination. FLA were found in 46 (28.7%) of the investigated water samples. Groundwater, well waters, and ornamental fountain waters were the sources with higher prevalence rates (85.7%, 50.0%, and 45.9%, respectively). Identification of FLA species/genotypes, based on the 18S rDNA regions, allowed to identify 18 (39.1%) Acanthamoeba isolates (genotypes T4 and T15) and 21 (45.6%) Vermamoeba vermiformis isolates. Other FLA species, including Vahlkampfia sp. and Naegleria spp., previously reported in Italy, were not recovered. The occurrence of potentially pathogenic free-living amoebae in habitats related to human population, as reported in the present study, supports the relevance of FLA as a potential health threat to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maristella Santoro
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Piero Lovreglio
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Rosa Monno
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organ, University of Bari, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Carmen Capolongo
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organ, University of Bari, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Carla Calia
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organ, University of Bari, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Luciana Fumarola
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organ, University of Bari, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Rossella D'Alfonso
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Federica Berrilli
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - David Di Cave
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Foundation Polyclinic Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy.
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Haas CN. Microbial dose response modeling: past, present, and future. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:1245-59. [PMID: 25545032 DOI: 10.1021/es504422q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The understanding of the risk to humans from exposure to pathogens has been firmly put into a risk assessment framework. A key element of applying this approach is the understanding of the relationship between dose and response for particular pathogens. This understanding has progressed from early use of threshold concepts ("minimal infectious dose") thru multiple generations of models. Generation 1 models describe probability of response to exposed dose. Generation 2 models incorporate host factors (e.g., age) and/or pathogen factors (e.g., particle size of inhaled agents). Generation 3 models describe the rate at which effects develop, i.e. the epidemic curve. These (generation 1 through three models) have been developed and used in multiple contexts. Beyond Generation 3 lies an opportunity for the deep incorporation of in vivo physiological responses and the coupling of the individual host dynamics to the dynamics of spread of contagious diseases in the population. This would enable more direct extrapolation from controlled dosing studies to estimate population level effects. There remain also needs to understand broader categories of infectious agents, including pathogenic amoebae and fungi. More advanced models need to be validated against well-characterized human outbreak data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles N Haas
- Department of Civil, Architectural & Environmental Engineering Drexel University Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
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Magnet A, Peralta RHS, Gomes TS, Izquierdo F, Fernandez-Vadillo C, Galvan AL, Pozuelo MJ, Pelaz C, Fenoy S, Del Águila C. Vectorial role of Acanthamoeba in Legionella propagation in water for human use. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 505:889-895. [PMID: 25461091 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.10.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Revised: 10/15/2014] [Accepted: 10/19/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Legionella spp. is the causative agent of Legionnaires' disease and is transmitted through aerosols emanating from man-made water systems. Legionella resistance to water treatments has been related to its association with environmental amoebae such as Acanthamoeba. Due to the high presence of this protozoon in Spain and the high rate of notification of Legionnaires' disease of this country, the aims of this work were to study the coexistence of these bacteria and protozoa in water as well as their interaction. The usefulness of Acanthamoeba co-culture for the isolation of environmental Legionella was also studied. For this purpose, 70 water samples were collected in 2011 from three Drinking Water Treatment Plants, three Wastewater Treatment Plants and five Natural Pools in Spain. Acanthamoeba was found by PCR in 87.1% (61/70) samples and, by culture in 85.7% (60/70) samples. Legionella was detected by PCR in 58.6% (41/70) of water samples, in 5.7% (4/70) by agar culture and 75.7% (53/70) by Acanthamoeba co-culture. From the 54 Acanthamoeba water isolates, Legionella was detected in 43 of them independently of Acanthamoeba's genotype (T3, T4 and T11). Legionella feeleii, Legionella birminghamiensis, Legionella gresilensis/berliardensis, Legionella fairfieldensis, Legionella drozanski and Legionella falloni were identified. In conclusion, our results showed that environmental Acanthamoeba is infected by Legionella to a high percentage, and due to its ubiquity, high resistance and its pathogenic potential per se, new methods for its elimination should be studied. Also, the high effectivity of Acanthamoeba co-culture for Legionella detection has been shown.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Magnet
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo CEU, Urbanización Montepríncipe, Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, Spain; Facultad de Medicina, Universidad San Pablo CEU, Urbanización Montepríncipe, Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, Spain
| | - R H S Peralta
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo CEU, Urbanización Montepríncipe, Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - T S Gomes
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo CEU, Urbanización Montepríncipe, Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, Spain; CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brasília, Brazil
| | - F Izquierdo
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo CEU, Urbanización Montepríncipe, Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, Spain; Facultad de Medicina, Universidad San Pablo CEU, Urbanización Montepríncipe, Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, Spain
| | - C Fernandez-Vadillo
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo CEU, Urbanización Montepríncipe, Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, Spain
| | - A L Galvan
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo CEU, Urbanización Montepríncipe, Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, Spain; Escuela de Microbiología, Grupo de Parasitología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - M J Pozuelo
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo CEU, Urbanización Montepríncipe, Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, Spain
| | - C Pelaz
- Laboratorio de Legionella, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - S Fenoy
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo CEU, Urbanización Montepríncipe, Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, Spain; Facultad de Medicina, Universidad San Pablo CEU, Urbanización Montepríncipe, Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, Spain
| | - C Del Águila
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo CEU, Urbanización Montepríncipe, Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, Spain; Facultad de Medicina, Universidad San Pablo CEU, Urbanización Montepríncipe, Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, Spain.
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Free-living amoebae (FLA) co-occurring with legionellae in industrial waters. Eur J Protistol 2014; 50:422-9. [PMID: 25062389 PMCID: PMC4155075 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2014.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Revised: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 04/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Legionella pneumophila is known as the causative agent of Legionnaires’ disease and free-living amoebae (FLA) can serve as vehicles for legionellae. The aim of this study was to screen industrial waters for the occurrence of FLA and their co-occurrence with legionellae. A total of 201 water samples, including 129 cooling waters and 72 process waters, and 30 cooling lubricants were included in the study. Treated waters were screened periodically, pre and post treatment. Altogether, 72.6% of the water samples were positive for FLA, acanthamoebae being most prevalent (in 23.9% of the samples) followed by Vermamoeba vermiformis (19.4%). Only one cooling lubricant was positive (Acanthamoeba genotype T4). Legionella spp. were detected in 34.8% of the water samples and in 15% in high concentrations (>1000 CFU/100 ml). Altogether, 81.4% of the Legionella-positive samples were positive for FLA by standard methods. By applying a highly sensitive nested PCR to a representative set of random samples it was revealed that Legionella spp. always co-occurred with Acanthamoeba spp. Although the addition of disinfectants did influence amoebal density and diversity, treated waters showed no difference concerning FLA in the interphases of disinfection. It appears that FLA can re-colonize treated waters within a short period of time.
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Isolation and characterization of Acanthamoeba strains from soil samples in Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain. Parasitol Res 2014; 113:1383-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-3778-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2013] [Accepted: 01/10/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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